2005 Challenge Cup Final hero Paul Cooke has said he will “never forget” that historic day in Cardiff that saw the Black & Whites claim the historic trophy for only the third time in their history.
Hull-born half-back Cooke was the man who famously secured the winning try in the closing stages of the game in the 25-24 victory over the Rhinos at the Millennium Stadium, 15 years ago today.
Recollecting on the 2005 Final, Cooke said: “The whole week sticks out in my mind, it was such an intense build-up to the game and it was really magnified by the media.
“It was built up right from the semi-final a month before. The country stops for the Final and it was a really special day for me and my family.
“The day before I found out where my mum and dad would be sitting and where they would be at the end of the game.
“The morning of the game we walked on the golf course at our hotel at 6.30am. I was very nervous up until the game.
“I had a letter from family wishing me luck when I was in the changing rooms.”
Cooke, who played over 200 games for Hull scoring nearly 800 points, continued: “I remember I was very leg heavy in the game after 50 minutes, that was the first time ever I had felt like that.
“The occasion means so much and we all weren’t happy with how we were playing, especially in the first-half.
“It was a special group of players, though, and the feeling at the full-time whistle is something I’ll never forget.”
“It’s hard to put it all into words. The walk out, the noise of the crowd, the atmosphere, it was just special.”
To read Shayne McMemeney’s memories of the day – click here
To read Gareth Raynor’s memories of the day – click here
Tune into our 2005 Challenge Cup Final ‘watchalong’ on the club’s official Facebook page from 6.30pm this evening where Cooke will be joined by fellow heroes Richard Whiting and Ewan Dowes to recall their memories of the game during a special version of extended highlights.
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